Inflammatory pseudotumor in childhood. A diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma.

We describe a case of inflammatory pseudotumor of the lower abdomen in a young child. The urinary bladder and abdominal wall were involved, and the pseudotumor simulated a malignant sarcomatous tumor. Surgical excision was undertaken, and the outcome was favorable. This rare tumor simulates a true neoplasm both clinically and morphologically and presents a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. Our case and a review of the literature indicate that an effort should be made to perform a radical excision. This is considered the treatment of choice except if it requires a mutilating procedure.